Chapter 17

Introspection and Research Questions

Discussion Questions

  1. What did you learn about Obama from reading this chapter?  What was of most interest to you?  What do you need more information about?  What, if anything, was confusing to you? 
  1. Obama invites Auma to go with him on a safari.  Why is Auma initially reluctant to go?  Why does she object to the people who sell her the tickets for the safari, and how does Obama respond to her concerns?
  1. On pages 352-353,  Francis complains about the Kenyan government.  What is he angry about?  What does he conclude about the role of the Kenyan citizen?  Do you think that other countries have similar problems with their governments and citizens?  What examples can you offer?
  1. One night on the safari, Wilkerson discusses his life and work with Obama.  At the end of their conversation, Wilkerson says, “Perhaps I can never call this place home…Sins of the father, you know.  I’ve learned to accept that” (p.355).  What does Wilkerson mean?
  1. On page 358, Obama wonders about what Africa needs most.  He realizes that “honest, decent men and women with attainable ambitions, and the determination to see those ambitions through” might be what is most essential.  Do you agree with this statement?  Why or why not? 
  1. After the safari, Obama meets his oldest half-brother, Roy.  Describe Roy and his role in the family.  Why is everyone so happy to see Roy?  Why does Auma have a different opinion of Roy?
Cultural and Historical References
Masai

Masai p. 350
A semi-nomadic and pastoral people, the Masai live in areas of Tanzania and Kenya.

Cherokee

Cherokee and Apache p. 350
Obama refers to two Native-Amereican tribes, the Cherokee and the Apache .
Rousseau

Rousseau  p. 355
An artist of the naïve school, Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) is well-known for his paintings of jungle scenes.